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(June 4, 2026) He was Motown’s secret weapon after the label’s move to Los Angeles: a musician and producer who helped the iconic Detroit label transition into the new sounds of the late 70s and early 80s. We are sad to report the passing of James Anthony Carmichael, the Grammy-winning producer, arranger and musician whose elegant touch helped define Motown’s second generation of hits. He was 84. His death was originally reported by his son-in-law in Incense and Ashtrays.
Born in Alabama, Carmichael came to Los Angeles with both musical training and natural feel. And after years working the L.A. music scene, his arrival at Motown came during a major transition. The label was moving beyond its Detroit hit-factory era and building a broader Los Angeles-based sound: more album-oriented, more cinematic and more polished. Carmichael became a crucial bridge between classic Motown and the sophisticated crossover soul that carried the company into a new decade.
He worked at Motown supporting hits by Gladys Knight & The Pips, Eddie Kendricks, and The Jackson 5 but was most noted for his career-changing partnership with the Commodores. As producer and arranger for.....
(June 4, 2026) He was Motown’s secret weapon after the label’s move to Los Angeles: a musician and producer who helped the iconic Detroit label transition into the new sounds of the late 70s and early 80s. We are sad to report the passing of James Anthony Carmichael, the Grammy-winning producer, arranger and musician whose elegant touch helped define Motown’s second generation of hits. He was 84. His death was originally reported by his son-in-law in Incense and Ashtrays.
Born in Alabama, Carmichael came to Los Angeles with both musical training and natural feel. And after years working the L.A. music scene, his arrival at Motown came during a major transition. The label was moving beyond its Detroit hit-factory era and building a broader Los Angeles-based sound: more album-oriented, more cinematic and more polished. Carmichael became a crucial bridge between classic Motown and the sophisticated crossover soul that carried the company into a new decade.
He worked at Motown supporting hits by Gladys Knight & The Pips, Eddie Kendricks, and The Jackson 5 but was most noted for his career-changing partnership with the Commodores. As producer and arranger for.....
R.I.P. Legendary Motown hitmaker James Anthony Carmichael
(June 4, 2026) He was Motown’s secret weapon after the label’s move to Los Angeles: a musician and producer who helped the iconic Detroit label transition into the new sounds of the late 70s and early 80s. We are sad to report the passing of James Anthony Carmichael, the Grammy-winning producer...
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